Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms

It is opening weekend for the Utah Symphony 2021-2022 season and last night's concert was a wonderful beginning.  This year I decided to subscribe to the entire Masterworks series (because I couldn't narrow it down to just a few concerts) and I am really looking forward to all of them but I was especially excited for last night's concert because it featured Hilary Hahn, a popular and frequent guest soloist with the Utah Symphony.  The concert began with the Overture to Egmont by Ludwig van Beethoven.  This is the incidental music for a play by Johann van Goethe which tells the story of a man who sacrifices himself to take a stand against oppression.  The Overture became the unofficial anthem for the 1956 Hungarian revolution and I can see why because it is very powerful and stirring.  Next, the orchestra was joined by Hahn for the Violin Concerto by Johannes Brahms.  I really loved this piece, especially the second movement because the theme played by the solo violin is so beautiful and tender.  It was really fun to watch Hahn play because she is such a brilliant and dynamic performer.  The audience leapt to their feet to give her a well-deserved standing ovation and she rewarded us with an encore (I'm not sure what the piece she played was but it was lovely).  After the intermission, the orchestra played Symphony No. 1 by Jean Sibelius.  I was introduced to Sibelius on a memorable trip to Finland and I have been a fan ever since.  I think all of his music is so stately and grand and this piece is no exception.  I particularly loved all of the solos played by the woodwinds and string instruments which echo each other throughout and I also loved the powerful themes played by the brass and timpani.  It gave me chills!  It was thrilling to see the full orchestra on stage with a large crowd in the audience once again and I thoroughly enjoyed the program!  It will be repeated again tonight and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here).

Note:  All patrons must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry.  Face masks are required for those not vaccinated and strongly encouraged for those who are.  Go here for more information.